Inexpensive Fluorescent Lights

Many years ago I installed a row of inexpensive F40T12 double tube fixtures
in my garage. They are starting to go, finally. But, the tubes seem to be
going individually. After swapping tubes around, it seems that each tube is
individually ballasted (sp?).
I opened the center cover of one of the fixtures today and there is no
"ballast" per se. Each black hot wire (there are 2) has a little plastic
rectangular box (1"x3/4"x1.75") on it. Is that it or are there more ballast
parts on the ends. Are these repairable with normal parts?
Thanks, Lar

I ran into the same or similar fixtures a few years ago. In order to
replace the existing ballast with a standard type, you need to be able to
get to the wires attached to the sockets. As I recall, the ends of the
fixtures were sealed and inaccessible

Just a note. HD has been selling Energy Star rated t8's for $20 (4' 2
tube). I assume that is an electronic ballast.
Might be worth upgrading, should consume about 20% or so less
electricity and the cost of fixing the old may be close enough to make
it worth the upgrade.
Jeff

The fix is easy as long as you know how to rewire a new ballast, which is
easy, IMO. The downside is the ballast and new T8 bulbs will cost more than
buying the whole fixture. As Jeff pointed out, just buy a new fixture.

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